If someone has to summarise the 2018 World Cup in one sentence, it was the end and beginning of an era. In Russia, the two greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were nothing more than support actors to the new generation. Their time is getting over, and the World Cup played an embodiment to passing off the baton to carry on the legacy. The two possible heirs to their throne - Marcus Rashford and Kylian Mbappe.
Rashford made his 150th appearance for Manchester United and scored his fifth goal in six starts under Ole Solksjaer. With the goal against Brighton, Rashford has started a revolution. Back in 2018, under Mourinho, the faith of Man United was in limbo. Like anything, there were too many unknown variables to track and no definite solution. But with Rashford back as a regular Red Devil’s future has changed dramatically.
If the league was to start from December 28, Man United would be at the top of the Premier League’s points table and Rashford amongst the top goal scorers. Rashford’s introduction to the team has given the club vitality which they had been missing for long.
However, his rise did not really happen recently.
The 21-year-old had got the Red Devils’ attention at a tender age of eight. To an outsider, he has emerged from nowhere to become the best striker for Man United but it was not the same for Paul McGuinness, coach within the club’s academy for 24 years. During an interview, McGuinness said that Although a late bloomer that Rashford’s talent was obvious.
A year older than Mbappe, Rashford has kick-started his journey towards greatness. He is arguably the most talented Englishman of his generation.
Up until last year December, he mostly found himself benched by Mourinho. But Ole had put his trust in Rashford and the 21-year-old has not let the Norwegian down. A complete striker that Rashford is, has been the most consistent player for Man United in the recent past only after De Gea.
What sets him apart from many strikers is movement on the pitch. His running is smooth, elegant and is filled with confidence.
With his new found form, Rashford is now being looked upon as the rightful heir to revive Ronaldo and Rooney’s lost legacy.
Rash-ford had already found 98 goals and 25 assists since his debut in 2015 under Louis Van Goal as an 18-year-old.
He has transformed into this new species that no one had earlier seen. According to the former Chelsea striker, Tony Cascarino, Rashford can become a world beater.
“With the pace and threat, he possesses he could become as valuable as Kylian Mbappe.”
Rashford is a direct rival to the already established Kylian Mbappe. The 20-year-old Frenchman cemented himself amongst the great in 2018 World Cup.
His pass to Olivier Giroud against Belgium in the World Cup semi-final. With one touch and a ballerina flick, the 20-year old had destroyed the best defence line of the tournament, leaving Giroud one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois. That split-second move had cemented his position among the best. The cherry on the cake was his goal in the final. With that goal, he became the second youngest player to score in the World Cup finally only after Pele in 1958 against Sweden.
Since then Mbappe has been running riots everywhere he steps foot. With PSG Mbappe has scored 21 goals in 23 matches in all competitions. He is also the top goal scorer in the French league.
A similar style of play to Rashford, Mbappe is skilful, can run like a cheetah and has a knack for goals. He can send chills down any defender’s spine. Both Rashford and Mbappe have just gotten started and have a long journey. When they face each other in the pre-quarters of Champions League it will be more of Team Rashford vs Team Mbappe instead of Man United vs PSG.
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